Detailing small parts

The problem is getting really small brushes, and maintaining them in good condition.  What I do is use toothpicks- those round, double ended sharp ones.

I shake a bottle of paint very well, then take the cap off and turn the cap upside down on my bench.  A film of paint adheres to the inside of the cap, and that film is just thick enough to put the right amount of paint on the tip when you dip the toothpick in that pain film.  There isn't much paint on there, so you cannot do many spots without dipping again.  You may need to dip for every nut, bolthead or fitting.  But then, such detailing shouldn't be quick and easy, should it?

You can paint fine lines with the toothpick, but you really have to keep dipping the toothpick frequently.  Still, I have traced out wiring in the engine compartment that way.

Thanks Don

Any other suggestions?

That's pretty much the best way to do it, although getting the smallest brush you can find will be a lot easier. I can't imagine maintaining a brush will be too difficult.

WutDaFunk

That's pretty much the best way to do it, although getting the smallest brush you can find will be a lot easier. I can't imagine maintaining a brush will be too difficult.

Yup, It is difficult to maintain fine brushes. How do you clean it?

It depends on which type of paint you use.

For acrylic, there are a few ways. If the paint is still wet on the brush, dip it in water and pinch the bristles together, than pull. That should work, worked for me when I used to paint pictures. If the paint dried up, using nail polish remover by itself should work as well.

For enamel and lacquer, I'm not quite sure since I don't use those paints with paint brushes. I hear people like to use enamel thinner for enamel, and lacquer thinner for acrylic, enamel, and lacquer.

Keep in mind, I haven't used a paint brush in years, so my knowledge isn't that great anymore.

I have a tall plastic jar with about a 1" hole in the removable top.  I think it held spices at one time.  I keep it almost full of paint thinner.  I stick the brush through the hole and "swish" the brush around, and also up and down.  One has to be careful and not hit the bottom of the jar or bend the bristles when inserting the brush.  Then I gently wipe the brush on a clean paper towel and repeat until the brush wipes clean with no trace of paint.  If I've used a lacquer product, then I simply pour a little lacquer thinner in a shallow jar and basically do the same.  The lacquer thinner will also assist in cleaning enamel f the paint is especially "stubborn" to remove.  When used like that, I always follow the lacquer thinner with another dip in paint thinner.  I clean brushes used with acrylic paint with Windex.

The biggest problem I've found regarding maintenance of the brushes is keeping the point of really fine brushes straight, and not developing a slight "hook" at the tip.  But sometimes even that hook might come in handy for painting a tight corner or spot.

I worked as a commercial/residential house painter for many years.  My mom's brother was a paint contractor who started painting in 1935.  He taught me the trade and also taught me how to clean a paint brush.   I have paint brushes that were used on a daily basis for 15 years or more that still work fine.  Proper cleaning technique and correct storage goes a long way in keeping one's tools in good shape.  In fact, I used to not even allow my painter helpers to clean my brushes until they could demonstrate the proper way to me.   I cringe sometimes when I see how the "typical homeowner" treats a paint brush, but I guess they don't depend on those to make their living.

Gary

I am still having issues in painting small knobs or nuts. Toothpics normally does not work for me. What size of brush do you use when painting them?

Just try and find the smallest brush you can get, or one size bigger.

I use a favorite 5/0 brush as my "standard," everyday detailing brush. It holds a nice amount of paint, and has a nice small point/tip that can do almost everything detail-wise (like knobs and grills). I have a smaller 10/0 brush that I use occasionally, but it holds so little paint that you can only do one or two knobs at a a time before having to re-dip. Great control, though, a little better than a toothpick if needed.

Cheers

I flatten the end of a colored pencil to "paint" the raised detail in the instrument cluster.  

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll try them all.

Thanks lanahan310